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Mon, Nov 23, 2009
AFP
Schumacher unlikely to join Mercedes: spokesman

BERLIN, GERMANY (AFP) - Michael Schumacher is unlikely to return to Formula One despite contact with new team Mercedes Grand Prix, the seven-time world champion's spokesman said on Sunday.

"Michael is enjoying his life. A return to Formula 1 is not a subject for debate at the moment," said his spokesperson Sabine Kehm.

"For me, a return would be highly unlikely at the moment."

Schumacher's manager Willi Weber admitted there had been contact between the motor-racing legend and Mercedes - albeit informally.

"I know Michael spoke informally to (Mercedes boss Dieter) Zetsche and Mercedes when he was at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix," Weber told Bild on Sunday.

"And, of course, he often speaks with Ross Brawn.

"But Michael has not said anything to me personally about contact with Mercedes over a driver's contract."

German car manufacturer Mercedes took over control of Brawn GP earlier this month and reports suggested Schumacher is set to link up with the new team having retired from the sport in 2006.

Having Schumacher drive for them would be a huge boost for the new outfit, but Mercedes' team boss Norbert Haug said the idea is still very much a dream.

"It is clear there will always be speculation in this sport, particularly whenever cockpits are not yet occupied," Haug told Bild on Sunday.

"And some speculations are just dreams which will not come true."

Speculation grew over the weekend that Schumacher is poised to join the Mercedes team after BBC Sport pundit and former team owner Eddie Jordan insisted the possibility is being actively pursued.

The move would reunite Schumacher with Brawn, the team principal of Mercedes, who masterminded all of the Germans seven world titles at Benetton and Ferrari.

The German, who will be 41 in January, had to pull out of a temporary comeback to F1 last season as a replacement for the injured Ferrari driver Felipe Massa because of a neck injury.

 

 
STORY INDEX
 
  Schumacher unlikely to join Mercedes: spokesman
   
 
  Raikkonen open to Mercedes offers
   
 
  Button teams up with Hamilton at McLaren
   
 
  Raikkonen to take year off from Formula One
   
 
  Surtees drives through Channel Tunnel in a sports car
   
 
  F1: Brawn says wants Button to stay
   
 
  Glock signs for new Manor F1 team
   
 
  F1 'Dream Team' taking shape
   
 
  Senna keen to make his own name in F1
   
 
  Mercedes' silver livery back
   
>> RELATED STORY
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